The Top 100 Inspirational Books: 80 - 61

68 - You Are Special

I was lucky enough to travel to Ghana in 2007 as part of an American Christian ministry team. We were invited by the Lutheran Church of Ghana and traveled throughout the country to schools, churches, and villages. One of the special memories that remains with me is when we read You Are Special to the local children while we were in a small town. This book, written by Max Lucado, tells the heartwarming story of Eli the Woodcarver who loves Punchinello – an ugly and unique character who doesn’t always feel special or loved.

The message of this book - that no matter what others think of you, you are still loved by God – is such a powerful message to share, especially with children. It was a privilege to use this book to help Ghanaian children know that they are beautiful the way they are, and that God loves them very much.